Golden Panthers rebuilding after losing 17 to graduation

POMPTON PLAINS – Josh Danziger admits that the last couple of years have been predictable.

The veteran Pequannock boys’ lacrosse coach isn’t a fortune-teller by any means, but he’s had an uncanny ability to peek into the future and know what to expect.

But for the first time in at least four years, Danziger is having some difficulty looking ahead.

“We lost seventeen seniors from last year’s team,” admitted the 11th year coach. “That’s a big hit and it hurts. Over the last three to four years I knew what to expect from the team as we had the same players working their way through the system. We’ve had some real quality players here with a lot of experience.

“But we’re going through some changes like every program experiences at some point. In one sense we’re a young team, but a lot of guys on the team gained valuable experience playing alongside those who graduated. They gained a lot of experience in a short period of time and that’s a nice advantage.”

In 2015 the Golden Panthers advanced to the North 1 Group 1 state sectional semifinals and last spring played in the quarterfinals and turned in a 9-11 overall record.

“The younger kids learned a lot by being a part of those teams and playing in state tournament games and seeing what it’s all about,” admitted Danziger.

This year’s Golden Panthers will lean on senior captain and goaltender Andrew Sontag, a Moravian College commit, who will start for the first time this season after serving as a backup the last two years.

“He’s stepping up big time this preseason,” said Danziger. “He’s our captain and team leader and we’re depending on him. He’s seen playing time over the last two years and he's seen what it’s like to play in big games.”

Joining Sontag on the back line is senior Jack Pownall, along with juniors Adian Brewer, Travis Harty, Greg Coppola, Nick Zangrilli and Zak Sidoti. All five are expected to see time on defense.

Up front, the attack will be led by returning leading scorer, Matthew Gallo ( 14 goals, 7 assists) and junior classmate Wade Slavik (2 goals, 2 assists). Sophomore Tom Hardie, and freshman Brendan Geissel are new to the mix.

But Pequannock’s biggest challenge is replacing their midfield as only two players return with true varsity experience. Senior Jared Dolak (13 goals, 2 assists) and Matt Unger (4 goals, 1 assist) are back with Unger tabbed as the team’s primary faceoff man.

The Pequannock boys' lacrosse team lost 17 seniors to graduation last spring and will turn to several newcomers in the 2017 season.(Photo: Joe Sarno)

“We have very few kids with varsity experience,” said Danziger. “But we have a lot of players with junior varsity experience, though.”

The Golden Panthers recently wrapped up an intense offseason conditioning program, but are facing challenges with the weather in the preseason the last few weeks.

“We’re dealing with what everyone else is dealing with this month,” said Danziger, whose Golden Panthers are scheduled to open the season on March 29 on the road against league rivals Roxbury. “The weather has been difficult to deal with and we haven’t been able to get outdoors or scrimmage. From the looks of things we may end up going right into the start of the season without seeing any live competition.

“We’ve gotten very creative with practices since the season started. We’ve been indoors and we’ve implemented new and intense drills to compensate for the inability to get outside. There’s also been a lot of chalk-talk sessions.”

Pequannock plays in the Rizk Division along with Montville, Roxbury, Mount Olive, Pope John, Sparta and Montville. The program, which started in 2006 under Danziger's guidance, is seven wins shy of earning its 100th career victory.

“Our season opener is still up in the air, but I’m hoping some of the warmer weather this week will help melt the snow,” said Danziger. “I’m starting to see the green of the field and that’s a good sign.

“I get to teach a lot this year and that’s something I’m excited about. We’re all looking to get outside and get the season started.”